Warren Thompson-Liberty — Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Warren Thompson (84) runs after a catch int he first quarter against the Liberty Flames at Razorback Stadium. (Nelson Chenault / USA TODAY Sports)

Film Analytics Raise Major Concerns About Arkansas Wide Receivers

How does current crop of transfers compare to actual SEC talent like Burks, Ruggs or Waddle?

Author:
Kent Smith
Updated:
Mar 29, 2023 1:29 PM EDT
Original:
Mar 27, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – When the book closed on the 2022 season following the Liberty Bowl, the mass exodus that had just occurred made it clear Arkansas was going to need to use the transfer portal to help refill the cupboard.

Refilling the cupboard at the SEC level means finding the perfect combination of speed and size. Without either, it's hard to compete against SEC defensive backs.

When Arkansas coach Sam Pittman brought a pair of Division II receivers and a mid-major addition to fill that role, it raised some eyebrows. There's speed that develops in the mid-majors into something serviceable at the SEC level, but the leap from the SEC to Division II is considered pretty much impossible at the wide receiver position.

Guys are in Division II for a reason.

The most common is lack of speed or size. The other is an inability to be consistent in catching the ball in traffic.

After reviewing the highlights, it's clear none of these men are struggling with size or hands. So, the obvious concern is speed.

To get a gauge for how fast these receivers are, their highlights were pulled at 60 frames per second. Then, what will be called going forward "true speed" was determined by measuring how long it takes each of them to go 10 yards in a straight line while maxed out during a run in pads.

This lets you know how fast a player truly is on the football field.

Unfortunately for Arkansas fans, the results aren't good.

As expected, each player is slow when compared to SEC talent. What was surprising, though, is that all three have the exact same full speed evaluation on the football field.

Below is a break down of the numbers. Included for comparison are the speeds for Treylon Burks, Jaylen Waddle and Henry Ruggs. Some might find it unfair to compare small school transfers to those receivers, but they're no longer small school and this is the bar.

Andrew Armstrong

TEXAS A&M COMMERCE
Division II until 2022 / FCS in 2022

6'4". 201

60 fps Time: 1:03

True 40 time: 4.2

Isaac Teslaa

HILLSDALE COLLEGE
Division II

6'4", 214

60 fps Time: 1:03

True 40 time: 4.2

Tyrone Broden

BOWLING GREEN
Division I (MAC)

6'7", 197

60 fps Time: 1:03

True 40 time: 4.2

Treylon Burks

ARKANSAS

6'3", 225

60 fps Time: 0:58

True 40 time: 3.87

Jaylen Waddle

ALABAMA

5'9", 180

60 fps Time: 0:57

True 40 time: 3.8

Henry Ruggs

ALABAMA

6'0", 190

60 fps Time: 0:55

True 40 time: 3.67

As you can see, all three receivers are taller and bigger than Waddle and Ruggs, but none are as big as Burks.

However, when it comes to speed, which is the most important element next to soft hands in regard to success in the SEC, all three are significantly slower.

Fortunately for all three, they have shown the ability to make tough catches while dealing with body contact. Increasing strength, shaving a little off the 40, becoming precision route runners and continuing to develop awareness of how to use their bodies to shield defenders will be key for this group.

Their height suggests they can go up above SEC defenders also, but quarterback KJ Jefferson isn't going to want to make a habit of that too often. Stretching guys vertically, especially if their feet lose their base, is a good way to get someone permanently injured in the SEC.

Of the three, Broden has shown the most promise in what little bit the media has been allowed to see. However, it's very early and developing chemistry with Jefferson will be key for any receiver hoping to make a name for himself.

There's still one more transfer window coming up in May and Pittman has saved a few spots just for that. When that time does come, look for him and Dan Enos to comb the portal for as much outside speed as possible so these transfers can be moved more inside as receivers.